Donovan Warns Pulisic & USMNT Absentees With Diego Luna's Example- "Be Careful"

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Donovan Warns Pulisic & USMNT Absentees With Diego Luna's Example- "Be Careful" originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Diego Luna delivered his best performance yet for the USMNT in their 2–1 semifinal win over Guatemala at the 2025 Gold Cup. The 21-year-old scored both goals, bringing his tournament total to three, after netting his first international goal in the quarterfinals against Costa Rica.
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Following Luna's standout performances, USMNT legend Landon Donovan directed a pointed message for Christian Pulisic. The AC Milan winger chose not to join the USMNT this summer, opting instead to take time off after the European season — a decision that reportedly shocked former players like Donovan.
The U.S. squad is already missing other key names, including Tim Weah and Weston McKennie, who were unavailable due to Juventus' involvement in the Club World Cup.
Still, the current group has risen to the occasion — going undefeated in the group stage, knocking out Costa Rica in the quarterfinals, and now booking a spot in Sunday's final against rivals Mexico.
With Luna wearing the number 10 shirt and leading the team in goals, Donovan issued a pointed message to Pulisic and other players who opted out of the tournament.
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'Many players opted out of the tournament. For people who have dreamt of playing soccer their whole life, it's pretty interesting that some would choose not to play for their national team. You know, in sports, when someone leaves the door slightly open, you better be careful — because someone else might barge through. And these guys have barged through, and they've been really inspiring.' - said Donovan live at The Herd.
Landon Donovan praises Diego Luna's attitude with the USMNT
Diego Luna has been the standout name for the USMNT so far, scoring three goals in the knockout stage. But before earning a spot in the starting lineup, he had to fight for his place. In a friendly against Costa Rica back in January, Luna broke his nose — but refused to leave the field. For him, it was his one shot to prove to Mauricio Pochettino that he belonged on this team.
'Diego Luna — a young man — broke his nose in a friendly in January. They told him, 'You need to come out of the game.' And he said, 'I'm not coming out of the game. This is my one chance.' Next thing you know, he started every game in the Gold Cup. If the roster were announced tomorrow for the World Cup, he's one hundred percent on it — and he came out of nowhere." - Donovan said.
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For Landon Donovan, playing for the national team is an honor — and no player should choose to opt out. In special cases, like Tim Weah and Weston McKennie, there's little that can be done, as both were still on duty with Juventus during the Club World Cup. Fulham defender Antonee Robinson also missed the tournament due to knee surgery.
In the case of Christian Pulisic and right-back Sergiño Dest, both opted out for personal reasons — a decision Donovan sees differently.
'That's what it means to play for your national team. It just means more. It has to mean more. If you're not willing to do anything and everything to win the game with your national team, then you don't deserve to be there.'
The USMNT will face Mexico in the Gold Cup final on Sunday. After the tournament, a few additional matches are scheduled, and there's a chance Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest could be called up. With European clubs set to begin preseason preparations in the coming weeks, the window for national team involvement is quickly closing.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.